Nemesia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Nemesia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Nemesia, Toothed Toadflax: Cultivation & Garden Use
Nemesia are half hardy annual sub shrubs that reach from 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 inches) in height.
They bloom from spring to summer with orange, purple, white or red tubular flowers.
The size of Nemesia makes them ideal for growing in rock gardens, borders, or as edging plants.
Nemesia by Captain-tucker; creative commons.
Nemesia - Danishes Flag by Nekonomania.
Nemesia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Nemesia.Family: Scrophulariaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.
Height: 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 cm).
Native: Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10.
Flowers: Spring and summer.
Flower Details: White, red, blue, pink, orange. Slightly tubular. Two lipped.
Foliage: Lanceolate. Toothed.
Sow Outside: Surface. Following last frost (cool areas) or in autumn (warmer areas). Spacing 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Vermiculite. Water from below. Germination time: one to three weeks. Temperature 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C). Five or six weeks in advance in cooler areas. Nine or ten weeks before expected last frost in warm areas. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Afternoon shade. Good drainage. Rich soil. Moist soil. Regular feed. Regular watering. Pinch tips.
How to Grow Nemesia
It is best to grow Nemesia indoors first, especially in hot areas.
Start the process off about 7 or 8 weeks before you expect the last frost of spring.
Sow the Nemesia seeds in vermiculite on the surface. Water should be supplied from beneath.
It should take about one to three weeks to germinate at 12 to 20 degrees centigrade (54 to 68°F). Once ready, transplant Nemesia seedlings into the garden after the last frost. They should be spaced about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) apart. Locate them in a partially shaded area of the garden, that has good drainage. The soil should be rich and moist.
Caring for Nemesia Plants
It is quite easy to look after Nemesia plants. The young plants should be pinched back at the tips, this will promote bushy growth of Nemesia. They should be watered and fed regularly.
Common Questions
How many members does the Nemesia genus contain?
The Nemesia genus has around 50 species.
Do Nemesia members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Nemesia are fantastic garden plants. They're excellent for filling gaps in borders, hanging baskets, and containers with their bright, prolific blooms.
Which Nemesia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The commonly grown Nemesia species include Nemesia strumosa and Nemesia fruticans. Various hybrids and cultivars are also popular for their wide range of colors.
Are Nemesia plants fragrant?
Yes, many Nemesia cultivars have a sweet, pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators.
What is the perfect location to grow Nemesia?
Nemesia prefers a sunny to partly shaded position with moist, well-drained soil. They appreciate regular watering and deadheading for continued bloom.
Is Nemesia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Nemesia is not currently listed as invasive in the USA. They're usually well-behaved in the garden setting.
How do I remove Nemesia plants from my garden?
To remove Nemesia, simply pull the plants out of the ground. As they have shallow roots, they're usually easy to remove.
Summary
Nemesia is a genus in the Scrophulariaceae family. It includes annuals and perennials known for their profusion of small, charming flowers. They offer a long season of bloom and are available in a wide variety of colors.
They should be planted in locations with full sun to light shade and fertile, well-drained soil. For best results, plant them in the spring. Regular watering and feeding will promote vigorous growth and blooming. Nemesia is perfect for adding a splash of color to containers, hanging baskets, and garden edges.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Nemesia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Cape Fuschia, Tagetes plant, Jacaranda mimosifolia, and Verbascum plants.
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